Embracing a vegan lifestyle may pose challenges to shedding excess weight.
Over the recent years, the plant-based diet trend has gained considerable popularity globally. Whether due to health concerns or environmental preservation, numerous nutritionists advocate for adopting a diet centered on plant sources. Regrettably, the diet’s impact on individuals may not be as favorable as perceived. Herein lies an exploration of how transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can either facilitate or impede your weight loss journey.
While individuals adhering to a vegan diet tend to consume more plant-derived foods, there is a risk of neglecting the importance of including an ample portion of vegetables in their meals. For those aspiring to shed weight through veganism, exercising caution when purchasing processed vegan products, now notably prevalent in supermarkets, is crucial. Individuals labeled as “junk food vegans” may encounter greater challenges in achieving weight loss goals while adhering to this dietary regime.
Regarding dietary practices, the World Health Organization advocates limiting saturated fat consumption to no more than 10% of total daily caloric intake, corresponding to roughly 22 grams per day for individuals adhering to a 2,000 calorie diet. Saturated fats are notorious for heightening the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and overall mortality.
By eschewing animal-derived products, one considerably reduces their intake of saturated fats. Plant-based diets place emphasis on heart-friendly unsaturated fats and complex carbohydrates, thereby enabling a heightened consumption of fiber, antioxidants, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, surpassing the offerings of a typical American diet.
